Hi Fred, Sorry you are having problems.

Foxstart is probably something you were tricked into downloading and installing yourself

• Further backgrond see http://www.anti-spyware-101.com/remove-foxstart BUT do NOT use the tool advertised on that site, all it does is promote paid software

For specific safe removal instructions see

• http://www.fixyourbrowser.com/removal-instructions/remove-foxstart-com-homepage/

For general instructions also see the Mozilla article

• Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page

By now you probably have other adware or malware on your computer so you should scan with multiple and up to date tools. Instructions under. Please post back to say how you get on. What you did, and what was found.

Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
• Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller
• AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
• Hitman Pro
• ESET Online Scanner

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Thank you for your detailed reply. One of the younger generation is going to look at my computer and I will pass over your suggestions.

Good luck. Yes they find it easy. Some kids will have used computers all their life. If you or your helper need any more info just let us know.

Meanwhile at least try the SearchReset addon. It downloads, installs, does the work and uninstalls, so it is easy to use, but until any adware or malware is removed it may have only a temporary effect.

• From https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/searchreset/

Thank you

have been through the process and the tools appeared to have removed lots of things including Foxstart. files    However, at the end there was no orange Firefox button so I went into help and selected refresh.  Unfortunately Foxstart is still there. Moreover, the toolbar (bbokmarks, help etc) also vanishes and I have to press alt each time to restore it(temporally).  Nothing is easy!

Firefox has not had an orange Firefox button for a while now. In Firefox 29 a menu button top right replaced the Firefox button. it is normal to use the Alt key to temporarily display the file menues.

• Learn more about the design of the new Firefox version 29

I suggest you repeat the scans, say which tools you used, and say what was detected by the various scans.

I have used Adw cleaner and JRT (the new version) but Foxstart is still there. Repeated but still the same result. Also tried the search reset programme.